Aerial Firefighting Enhancement Act of 2025

This bill lets the Department of Defense sell extra aircraft and aircraft parts to be used for fighting wildfires. It renews this program and makes it clearer how the planes can be used. The aircraft can now drop water as well as fire retardant, and the change also lifts limits on helping fight wildfires outside the United States. This authority runs from October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2035 (as stated in the bill text and summary).

Key points

• Who is affected: Wildland fire agencies, contractors who provide aerial firefighting services, and communities at risk of wildfires.
• What changes: Allows sale of surplus military aircraft/parts for wildfire work; permits water drops (not just retardant); removes limits on providing international wildfire help.
• When: Program authority is active from October 1, 2025, to October 1, 2035.